Britain Has Sent Fighter Jets To Defend UAE From Iran

• 9.03.2026, 23:37

Royal Air Force specialists are deployed in at least five countries in the Middle East.

Britain has sent fighter jets to patrol airspace over the United Arab Emirates amid an escalating conflict with Iran, reports Military Forces.

British Defense Minister John Healey said the British military was carrying out defensive air missions in support of allies in the region.

He stressed that Britain's response "has always been based on military advice."

The British defense chief called the Iranian regime "a destructive force that killed protesters" and urged Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions and return to negotiations.

Healy said the British military has already shot down two drones - one over Jordan and the other over Bahrain.

At the same time, Britain continues to build up its presence in the region. A third Wildcat helicopter has arrived in Cyprus, and Royal Air Force specialists are deployed in at least five Middle Eastern countries.

In addition, eight British aircraft are based in Qatar, and in Cyprus, the minister said, London has "more aircraft than any other country."